Introduction
A series of landslides on Thursday, Jan. 22, tore through the popular tourist area of Welcome Bay and Mount Maunganui on New Zealand’s North Island. Two people died in Welcome Bay, and a separate disaster at Mount Maunganui left several people missing, including children.
At a Glance
- 2 deaths confirmed in Welcome Bay after a house was heavily damaged.
- 9 missing reported from Mount Maunganui, with a campsite evacuated.
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the events a profound tragedy.
- Why it matters: The scale of the disaster and the ongoing search highlight the vulnerability of coastal communities to sudden natural events.
The Day of the Disaster
The landslides struck early in the morning, with the Mount Maunganui slide occurring at 9:30 a.m. local time. The slide came down from the extinct volcanic dome, a popular spot for sandy beaches and hiking trails.
> “Police, alongside Fire and Emergency NZ are working to locate and rescue people trapped in a landslide that came down off Mount Maunganui at 9:30 a.m. today,” said Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson.
The Welcome Bay slide damaged a residential house extensively, resulting in two fatalities.
> “Both people are sadly deceased,” officers said. “Police are working to support their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.”
Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations were described as concurrently running for both incidents. Fire and Emergency NZ, the Defence Force, local marae, and everyday Kiwis were mobilised.
> “Members of the Mount Maunganui campsite have been evacuated and directed to the nearby Surf Club,” police said in a Facebook post.
Fire and Emergency commander William Pike reported that first responders heard voices from under the rubble but had not heard anything else since arrival.
> “First responders had heard voices from under the rubble when they first arrived at the scene, but nothing else since,” Pike said.
The New Zealand Herald, citing a source involved with the rescue efforts, reported that as many as nine people were unaccounted for.
| Location | Event | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bay | House damage | 2 deaths | Extensive damage |
| Mount Maunganui | Landslide | 9 missing | Campsite evacuated |
| Mount Maunganui | Rescue effort | Ongoing | Voices heard from rubble |
Missing Persons
Multiple children were among the missing, according to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), which cited Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell.
> “A young girl was among the missing following the Mount Maunganui landslide,” RNZ reported.
The number of missing individuals was described as in the single figures by police, but the Herald source suggested up to nine.
Missing Persons Breakdown
- Children: at least one confirmed missing.
- Adults: several unaccounted for, including campsite staff.
- Total: 9 missing, per Herald source.
Government Response
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressed the nation via an X post, expressing deep sorrow.
> “These losses are deeply shattering, and New Zealand is heavy with grief,” Luxon said.
He added:
> “The rescue effort continues, and the Government stands with affected communities during this response, and we will continue to stand with them throughout the recovery ahead.”
Luxon also highlighted the community spirit:
> “Amid this tragedy, we have once again seen the very best of New Zealand. Emergency responders, local marae, the Defence Force, and many everyday Kiwis have put themselves in harm’s way to support their fellow New Zelanders. On behalf of the country, thank you.”
Community and International Reactions
Australian tourist Sonny Warrall recalled the panic during the slide.
> “People were in the pools, and they were jumping out, running, people were screaming. It was insane, I just couldn’t believe it,” Warrall told the ABC.
He added that he was still shaken by the experience.
> “It all happened in a flash, I was definitely fearing for my life,” Warrall said.
Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson, praised the bravery of responders.
> “We have already seen countless examples over the last 24 hours of Police staff putting their lives at risk to protect members of the public through evacuations,” Anderson said.
He also noted additional staff were rostered overnight to assist with evacuations.
> “This community is a very tight-knit community, and now more than ever, we need to band together to support one another.”
Police and Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell did not immediately respond when contacted by News Of Los Angeles for additional information.
Key Takeaways
- The landslides on Jan. 22 caused two deaths and left up to nine people missing.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, with multiple agencies and community members involved.
- The government has pledged ongoing support and highlighted the resilience of New Zealanders.
- International visitors, like Sonny Warrall, recount the suddenness and danger of the events.
- The situation remains fluid; updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Categories
- Breaking News
- World News
- Political News
